Madi Das: I am still in shock after my Grammy nomination

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Madi Das: I am still in shock after my Grammy nomination

Madi Das has been nominated in the Best New Age Album category for his debut album, Bhakti Without Borders. Das was born in Germany and grew up in Mayapur and Vrindavan. Then, he shifted to the US for further studies. He was based in LA for 20 years before shifting to Melbourne recently. An Iskcon devotee, Das claims to contribute all profits from his debut album towards the education of the girl child in Vrindavan. Excerpts from an interview with Das:

My parents were both members of Iskcon’s Hare Krishna Movement and decided to send me to a traditional boarding school in Mayapur.

How was your life there?

Life in Mayapur was very simple, in the Vedic tradition. Boys were housed in thatched roof huts made from clay and bamboo. Curriculum included standard educational material as well as Vedic cultural lessons on history, puranas, mantras and traditional Bengali kirtan music.

Where did you learn kirtan?

I learned kirtan while growing up. The Iskcon temples have kirtan sessions at least six times a day. In addition to attending these sessions during aarti ceremonies, students at the school were taught various bhajans and musical instruments such as khol, kartal and harmonium.

Why did you leave Mayapur?

I finished my education at the Gurukul School and had to return to the US to complete my studies.

Do you speak/read/write Bengali?

I can speak/read/write a little Bengali. However, as prior to my days in Mayapur, I attended a different Iskcon Gurukul school in Vrindavan (where I began at the age of seven), my Hindi is much better.

What was your reaction when you learnt about the Grammy nomination? Do people at Mayapur know about the nomination?

I am still in shock. It came as such a surprise as this is our first album and we are competing with many world class artists. I don’t think anyone in Mayapur knows about it. Maybe, a few people might know as a result of the news filtering through social media.

Do the entire proceeds from your album sales go for funding education of students in Vrindavan?

Yes. The fact is 100% of the profits from the album sales go to fund education for girls in Vrindavan. This was done partly because I wanted to give something back to the birthplace of the modern kirtan movement. So many people come to India to take something away. This was a way to give something back. Also, by supporting education for women, we are able to positively influence the next generation because mothers have such an impact on their children, regardless of their gender.

When you look at the other contenders, what chances do you see of winning a Grammy?

I think, we were a long shot to ever get a nomination. So the chances are slim. Yet, there is still a chance. I believe, it has been a blessing to get this far and perhaps we will get a little more blessings and succeed in getting a win.

Kirtans are gaining in popularity in the West. What makes the Western audience connect to it?

I think, there is something deeply sacred that connects on an emotional and spiritual level. These are ancient hymns that have the power to positively impact the mindset. Also, the fact that the lyrics are in a foreign language can allow Westerners to simply relax, disengage their cerebral mind and focus on the sound of music.

We are extremely happy that one of our boys has been nominated for such a coveted award. Madi is a famous kirtaniya. We see Madi’s nomination as a tribute to the founder Acharya of Iskcon. This year, we are celebrating 50 years of Iskcon and it is a matter of great timing that Madi’s album has bagged a nomination this year itself. The nomination comes as a surprise gift to Iskcon. It is also a fitting tribute to Bengal’s great culture and tradition. We want to celebrate Madi’s nomination by holding a special chanting session. We are also very hopeful of him winning the Grammy.

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